SUNDAY FUNDAY AUGUST 1, 2021

 SUNDAY FUNDAY

AUGUST 1, 2021

Happiness grows at our own firesides, and

is not to be picked in strangers’ gardens.

One joy scatters a hundred griefs.

Happy First Day of August

Ah yes, August!!!  August is the eighth month of the year - and the fifth month (out of seven) that has 31 days.  Named after Augustus Caesar.  In some places, August is the start of the winding down of summer.  I remember South Dakota - where I would start August with shorts and end with a jacket (not always).  

August is “Back to School Month”. I remember for a few years in South Dakota that schools were not allowed to start until the day after Labor Day in September.  That was so rural kids could go to the State Fair and show their projects.  

I liked state fairs.  I’ve been to state fairs in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska.  As a kid, going to the Iowa State Fair on my birthday was neat!!!  I like wandering through the various barns.  I had to see the cows, pigs, and other farm animals.  State fairs were primarily ways to showcase agriculture.  I can’t remember riding the carnival rides.  But I did walk down the midway and past the various booths - “knock down the bottles and win a prize” - “toss the ring over a prize to win it”.  Maybe from an early age, I informally knew the odds weren’t in my favor - so why waste my money on the games - when I could use it to get a chocolate covered banana or some wonderful delicacy.  Deep fried Oreos, and almost any kind of unusual food were available.  I know my son has tried many of them - for his job.

I don’t share much about my family, but my son, Steve, is “Mr. State Fair” in Nebraska.  As the State Fair Board looked to move out of Lincoln to be more centrally located, and more agricultural oriented, Steve was the newsman who covered every step of the way.  He has become an agriculture expert (maybe not an expert, but he interviews so many farmers, ag researchers, ag businesses, and does a weekly agricultural news program (“Grow Nebraska”), that I think people think he grew up on a farm.  (We didn’t even have pets!!!)  

I grew up in a city but had relatives on farms.  I enjoyed being on the farms - to visit - not to work!!  I worked with my cousins putting up hay - which was probably the hardest work I’ve ever done.  I was in the top of the barn on a hot August day - the hay loft.  The tractor brought the wagon filled with square bales to the lift and the bales came into that space.  My cousin and I had to grab a bale (they must have weighed a ton - okay that is hyperbole - maybe 50 pounds), and manhandle it into a regular place in the loft.  The farmer needed to get a lot of hay moved in, so we couldn’t just let it be.  Hot, humid, sweat, dirt, itchy hat, flies, no breeze, and I’m trying to move 50 pound bales around.  

We did it, the bales got stowed, and I went back to my cousins for maybe the best shower of my life.  I don’t remember dinner, and I don't remember sleeping other than my body and brain shutting down for eight hours!!

Fairs and agriculture were part of my world.  Since moving to Texas, I have been to the Nebraska State Fair (with “Mr. State Fair” - who emceed the opening ceremonies for the fair).  I doubt that I’ll go to the Texas State Fair.  It is in early October in Dallas.

*****

Some deja vu - COVID is back!!!  I’ve seen more masks the last few weeks than the last two months.  Yes, most of us have had full vaccinations, most of us practice safe practices.  I feel very safe - I’ve had my vaccinations.  I have friends who say they won’t get vaccinated.  Yes, I don’t know what is in the vaccines.  But, likewise, I don’t know what was in the food I ate last night.  My simplistic view is to encourage everybody to get vaccinated - and kick Covid to the curb!!

Over 612,000 have died from COVID in the United States.  For comparison, Wyoming has about 580,000 people - so in effect, COVID has wiped out a small state.  

*****

JOKES/PUNS

1. What kind of concert only costs 45 cents? A 50 Cent concert featuring Nickelback.

2. What did the grape say when it got crushed? Nothing, it just let out a little wine.

3. I want to be cremated as it is my last hope for a smoking hot body.

4. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

5. To the guy who invented zero, thanks for nothing.

6. A crazy wife says to her husband that moose are falling from the sky. The husband says, it’s reindeer.

7. Ladies, if he can’t appreciate your fruit jokes, you need to let that mango.

8. Geology rocks but Geography is where it’s at!

9. Smaller babies may be delivered by stork but the heavier ones need a crane.

10. My grandpa has the heart of the lion and a lifetime ban from the zoo.

11. Why was Dumbo sad? He felt irrelephant.

12. A man sued an airline company after it lost his luggage. Sadly, he lost his case.

13. I lost my mood ring and I don’t know how to feel about it!

14. Yesterday, I accidentally swallowed some food coloring. The doctor says I’m okay, but I feel like I’ve dyed a little inside.

15.  Never trust an atom, they make up everything!

*****

States and Nicknames

What states have these nicknames? (answers below)

1. Bluegrass State

2. Magnolia State

3. Show me State

4. The Volunteer State

5. Palmetto State

6. America’s Dairyland

7. Equality State

8. Lone Star State

NATIONAL DAYS

August 1st - National Mahjong Day

The link says “On August 1st, International Mahjong Day deals a game to get the celebration started! Play your tiles well, and perhaps you’ll honor the day with a win.

The 19th-century strategy game became popular in the United States in the 1920s. While we play the game with tiles, it’s much like rummy. The players meld beautifully designed tiles with Chinese characters and symbols to earn points. Melds include pongs, kongs, chows, and the mighty Mahjong.

Because Mahjong traveled great distances, it challenges people from many different backgrounds. As a result, Mahjong also breaks down communication barriers, bringing neighborhoods and communities together. Since people of all ages play, the game also bridges the gap between generations.”

 

I have a friend from my bridge group that regularly plays.  Maybe it is time to learn Mahjong!!

 

August 2nd - National Coloring Book Day

I always liked to color - and now there are coloring books and coloring pages for adults.  I have shared some of my coloring with others.  In particular, last Thanksgiving I colored about 12 Thanksgiving themed pages for friends.  I bought a very nice coloring book that is both artistic and a little challenging.  (And relaxing!!!)

 

August 3rd - National Watermelon Day

Yes, I like watermelon.  I’m worried that my grandchildren will never know the joy of spitting out watermelon seeds.  I haven’t researched how they made watermelons seedless (or almost seedless), but I am glad they did.

 

65 years ago, I remember going to cousins for a party that had watermelon.  We ate the watermelon in the yard - and spit out the seeds.  One of my younger cousins came up and broke off the tip of my piece (which is generally sweeter).  That is my most vivid remembrance of that particular cousin!!

 

I also don’t know how to pick a good watermelon.  Do any of you have ideas on how to pick a good melon?  I had one a week ago that was sweet and delicious and one a month ago what was okay - just kind of blah!!!

 

August 4th - National Coast Guard Day

Of the official military groups, the Coast Guard gets the least recognition (after the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force).  We lived in Connecticut for 13 years and went to a concert at the Coast Guard Academy. They played one of the traditional medleys of military tunes and veterans were to stand up for ‘their’ song.  Most of the audience stood up for the Coast Guard song!!!  They are some of the unsung heroes of the war on drugs and more.

 

August 5th - National Underwear Day

At first I didn’t want to highlight ‘National Underwear Day’ - but finally opted for it over National Work Like a Dog Day or National Oyster Day.  

 

The link says “Underwear is the layer of clothing worn closest to the body and under the outer clothing. It protects clothing from sweat. Underwear also provides the wearer protection from cold and chafing. Another benefit to underwear includes support and body shaping.”

 

“A 2012 survey by Elitedaily.com reveals that the average woman owns 20 pairs of underwear – for every day. Then, they own 14 extra pairs for special occasions.”  (And, I think I’m doing well in that category!!!)

 

August 6th - National Fresh Breath Day

Yes - take care of your breath!!!  I think my nose is not as sensitive as it once was.  I like onions and garlic and probably have a breath that reflects that.  Be nice to your fellow humans and clean up your breath!!!

August 7th - National Lighthouse Day

There are two man-made structures that I like - lighthouses, and covered bridges.  When we lived in Connecticut we made pilgrimages to Vermont and New Hampshire to see covered bridges.  It is a little harder to see lighthouses as you would have to follow the coast line.  So many are unique, tall - to get the light high enough for ships and sailors to see.  

WRAP-UP

I have found a new (old) obsession - jigsaw puzzles.  I’ve been getting the 300 piece puzzles at the library (up to five now).  I do them in one day (and it keeps me from writing my blog).  I’m not sure if I want to move to 500 piece puzzles - and that might tie up my table longer!!!  I went to the library two days ago and looked at the 500 piece puzzles but opted for a 300 piece version.

Puzzles and reading were some of my favorite things in elementary school (yes, I was and still am a bit of a nerd).  

Life is so amazing, my friends.  What new adventures are ahead of us?  (Maybe bidding and making a slam).  Every day I find that “LOVE WINS” is a great way to approach life.  

I have three standard slogans:

• Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm - Ralph Waldo Emerson

• I can only love God as much as I love the person I love the least - Dorothy Day

• What does God expect of you, but to love Justice, show Mercy, and walk Humbly - Micah 6:8

I’ve been doing some life coaching - with a specialty in reconciliation within families.  I think families split for a variety of reasons and coming back together is really awesome!!

Have an amazing week!!!  

State nicknames answers:

1. Kentucky

2. Mississippi

3. Missouri

4. Tennessee

5. South Carolina

6. Wisconsin

7. Wyoming

8. Texas 

SATURDAY STORY - JULY 31, 2021

 SATURDAY STORY - JULY 31, 2021

“Plain Jane”

Vickie Jackson was just plain looking.  Her facial features were not particularly striking, she was of average height, her hair was a ‘mousey brown’, her eyes were brown, but boring.  When they did an activity in school she never was the first person selected and never the last.  She was pretty much in the middle in terms of learning - not the star of the class and not the dunce - just ‘average’. She didn’t speak up much, she wasn’t flamboyant, and maybe she was just a little boring. 

And, early on, in kindergarten, she got the nickname “Plain Jane” - not because her name was Jane, but because she was plain.  

*****

Vickie knew the nickname and eventually accepted it, although she didn’t embrace it.  Just plain.  She grew up in a house built in the 1950s after World War II that was like most of the others in the neighborhood.  A two story house, with a basement.  Vickie’s bedroom was on the second floor and had a dormer that looked out on Maple Street.  Nothing too exciting.  There were three bedrooms upstairs  Vickie’s, her older sister, Rita, and her younger brother, Marty.  

Rita had a five star personality.  She was in the school plays, sang solos in the choir, and was the leading scorer on the girl’s basketball team.  Her brown eyes glistened, she always was talking and reprimanded in school for talking, which seemed to make her talk more.  At the school lunch table, all the girls wanted to sit at Rita’s table (and Vickie sat mostly alone). 

Marty was an ‘all American’ boy.  If Tide or Gain or some other laundry detergent wanted to show off their cleaning power, they would have liked Marty.  His clothes were always muddy.  The knees on his jeans were threadbare from crawling through the woods and weeds.  He wasn’t the best student (although he could be), but when the kids played football or basketball at lunch, he was the first to be chosen.

But, Vickie (or Plain Jane as most people called her), was a courteous student.  If a teacher needed to send the attendance or a note to the front office, she asked Vickie to do it, she would go to the office and not loiter in the hallways and would be back in class promptly.  She knew answers in class, but rarely raised her hand.  If a teacher called on her, Vickie would give the answer quietly, and generally correctly, without any flourishes. Just plain.

As they got into middle school and high school in suburban Rosemount Minnesota, not much changed for Vickie.  Solid, dependable, and boring.  She too played on the girls basketball team, but mostly sat on the bench - and Vickie didn’t seem to mind that she wasn’t in the game.  She did her homework on time and was never late, but got B grades - just plain.

Vickie went through puberty as all girls do - but didn’t seem to complain about cramps or other changes in her body.  Just a part of life.  When her mother took Vickie shopping for school clothes, Vickie picked things that fit her boring life - plain gray or green dresses.  

A boy in the high school choir was kind of her boyfriend.  He too was kind of plain and was under the radar.  Paul would sit close to Vickie at lunch.  At the boy’s basketball games, Paul might sit close to Vickie, but never really sat next to her.  A nice platonic relationship.  

*****

After high school, Vickie went to Winona State University with a goal of being a math teacher.  She did okay in math, and liked the analytical side of things.  Her teacher for Calculus I was Dr/ Marceline Gratia.  But somehow Dr. Gratia saw something in Vickie.  Marceline had been a bit of a plain Jane herself growing up, and being a math professor labeled her as a nerd.  

One day after class, Dr. Gratia asked Vickie to stop behind for a minute.

“Could you come to my office hours this afternoon?” she asked Vickie.

Vickie asked “When are your office hours?”

Marceline replied, “I’m generally in my office from 3:00 to 6:00.  Does that fit your schedule?”

And Vickie answered “That fits my schedule.  My last class is 2 to 3, so I’ll stop by after that class.

*****

For the next few hours, Vickie wondered what she had done wrong that a math teacher would be asking her to come to her office?  She hadn’t cheated (although Brian Davis did like to look at her assignments); she hadn’t talked back; she hadn’t skipped any classes.  There wasn’t anything that justified being asked to visit her professor.

Vickie found Dr. Gratia’s office - on the second floor of the Pasteur Building.  The door was open, so Vickie knocked on the wall next to the open door.

Marceline looked up with a smile and said “Hi Vickie, come on in’.  

This was the first time Vickie had been invited to a professor’s office hours.  She had been to her English professor’s office a couple of times with questions about assignments.

Marceline stood and ushered Vickie into a chair next to her desk.  

The first few minutes were just casual - chit chat about college, about Vickie’s hometown (Marceline knew where Rosemount was), about her family.

Then Marceline said “Vickie, you are a good math student, are you thinking about being a math major?”

Vickie blushed - no teacher had really commended her like this before. She answered “Yes, I like math and I think I do okay in it”.

Marcelene listened thoughtfully.  Vickie was almost taken aback as most people just looked past her - after all she was just ‘plain jane’. 

When Vickie finished, Marceline said “I am teaching a section of college algebra.” and then added “It really is almost the same as Algebra II in high school.  I need a student to help grade their papers.  It is a job that pays for ten hours a week.  I’d give you help if you need it, but I doubt that you will need it.  I’ll give you an answer key and directions. You seem to really know your stuff”.

Again, a blush from Vickie, who stammered “I’d love to do that.”

Marceline took over and described the position in more detail and how she would bring an official application to the next class.  Vickie could grade papers in a student office or take them back to her dorm room to grade.  The pay would be minimum wage - but with ten hours a week, it would be a little spending money for Vickie.

Again, Vickie said “I’d love to do that”.  

Thus started a relationship that was to last for several years.  Vickie became Marceline Gratia’s student aide and grader.  A few times, Vickie sat in the back of the college algebra class during tests to watch for cheating.  

One day towards the end of the semester, Marceline asked Vickie “I’d like to have a review session for the college algebra students.  Do you think you could cover that?”

Vickie sat for a few seconds.  The shy, plain jane girl inside her didn’t like being in public or in front of a group.  Then she said “I’m not sure I can do that.  I’m kind of shy and don’t like being in front of groups”.

Marceline looked Vickie in the eye and said “Vickie, I know you can do it -and it will be great practice for being a math teacher.” 

*****

After fall semester, where Vickie got an “A” in Calculus I, (and the highest grade in the class), Vickie continued with Algebra II with Dr. VandeWater.  And, she kept grading papers for Marceline Gratia’s College Algebra class.  It had leaked out that Vickie was the grader for that class and soon some students were asking her to help them on assignments.  So Vickie started to have regular office hours in the student office in Pasteur Hall.  Slowly the shy, “plain Jane”, Vickie was becoming more recognizable and confident.

*****

Just after Spring Break, as Vickie was sitting in Marceline’s office visiting, Marceline got serious with Vickie.

She said “Vickie, it seems to me that you are very similar to me when I started college.  I was shy, and tried to hide out of the limelight.  I was not very confident.  I was scared I was going to flunk out. I got into my first math class with Dr. Emmons and boom, I took off, I was confident, and my life changed.  I heard something early on about being a “plain Jane”, and I worked on overcoming that.  Yes, female math professors are not yet appreciated as much as male math professors, but we’re changing that.”

She paused.

She added “Vickie, I go to a beauty shop once a month.  I want to treat you to a beauty make-over and some clothing and style makeovers.  Will you allow me to do that?

Vickie didn’t know what to stay.  She went to the local beauty college to get her haircuts, but never really a style.  She faltered for a second and quietly said “That would be wonderful”.

A week later, Marceline took Vickie to Patsy’s Salon for a make-over.  Marceline and Miss Patsy (the proprietor), visited with Vickie for about half-an-hour before setting on a new look and style.  They even put highlights into her hair, showed her about makeup.  Marceline took Vickie to a dress boutique.  The prices seemed a little high to Vickie, but with Cristina, the shop owner, they selected three outfits, two dresses and a nice pants/top combination.  

*****

The next day, and for the rest of her life, Vickie changed from a “plain Jane” to a beauty.  She learned that beauty comes from within.  Sure the external trimming helps, but when you exude confidence the aura comes through.

Eventually, Vickie became a star (or at least a Math star).  Boys asked her out, and she joined a sorority.  She student taught math and got excellent reviews from her supervising teacher.   She went on to graduate school and became a math professor like Marceline Gratia and inspired many ‘plain jane’ students to reach for the stars.

*****

This last week, I wrote about self love.  In this (Pollyanna) story, Vickie develops confidence because of a mentor. We do have opportunities to help others in our life.  I had mentors who encouraged me, and I have been a mentor to many students.  “Love your neighbor as yourself” requires us to have confidence in ourselves.  

Love one another, treat people as you want to be treated, and LOVE WINS!!!  

Hugs!!!

Karen

FRIDAY JULY 30, 2021 - LOVE WINS

 FRIDAY JULY 30, 2021 - LOVE WINS

On Friday I do a “LOVE WINS” blog.  

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 12: (with some editing)

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

“Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.  And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.  If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?  But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”  On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty,  while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

*****

This says we (human beings) are all parts of one body.  My third toe on my right foot is part of my body as much as my left eye.

So it is with people, society.  

Take my car.  It might be assembled in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Germany, Sweden, China and other places in the world.  Within its components are parts from around the world.  There are computer chips, wires, gauges, tires, tail pipes (and it seems like), millions of other pieces, parts and components.  

My car is a Nissan - built (I assume) in Japan.  One of the workers on the car might eat bread made with some flour from the United States, or fish harvested from the oceans around the world.  The harvesting equipment might be John Deere from the United States or some other brand from some other place in the world.  I can watch television, probably made someplace in Eastern Asia.  I play a tuba made in China (really).  Of the millions of things in my household, they might have come from many sources.  There might have been Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindis, Buddhists, and other religions that were involved in the making of the products.  Scientists and engineers went to colleges around the world.  We are all parts of one body.  BUT, unfortunately, we have let nationalities, language, religion, philosophies, and whatever else stop us from being on the same team.

The reality I sense is that mankind on his own can’t really love each other.  Of course, I have a bias.

There are some good parts to John Lennon’s Imagine lyrics:

“Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky
Imagine all the people
Livin' for today
Ah

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Livin' life in peace

*****

I anticipate a ‘heaven’ (even though Lennon didn’t). All of us one day will die.  Then what?  Ashes to ashes?  Dust to dust?  I want (believe?) some utopia beyond the grave.  I like the concept of  “living life in peace”.  

He says “no religion”.  That if anything has been a stumbling block for me.  But, the Jewish rabbi that I follow wasn’t preaching a religion but a relationship.  A relationship that involves forgiveness, loving your neighbors, and even loving your enemies.  

I’ve heard the concept that “religion divides us”.  To me, there are times when formal religious concepts are good, and there are times when such puts barriers in the way.  I don’t know how God thinks - “his way is not our way”.  I believe that God is so far different from us - as infinity is different from limits.  

I believe that somehow, someway, God - the infinite, the source, the Father, the ultimate beyond human comprehension said “Let there be light” - did God speak it?  Did God just think it - and it happened?  I don’t understand the infinity of God, but I think humans who have tried to make sense of the impossible have put God in a ‘box’. But God is so big and beyond us.  

“And, No religion too”.  Maybe that is one of our hang-ups.  We try to “play God”, and that part is already taken!!!   

But, today, I want to promote the concept of being on the same team - all members of the human race - and to kill and hurt others because of our viewpoints is a questionable approach!!!

*****

So, as we have looked at “Love your neighbor as yourself”, indirectly all people are my neighbors!!!   And, we are on the same team!!!  

 

LOVE WINS!!!

Karen

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021 SELF LOVE CONTINUED

 THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021 SELF LOVE CONTINUED

Narcissistic personality disorder

I’ve been writing about self-love the last few days.  Basically it comes from the concept of “Love your neighbor as yourself”.  

Many people don’t always love themselves - they are fat, ugly, incompetent, hurting, and can find a lot of faults within themselves.  The professional suggestion is that we do need to love ourselves, forgive ourselves, and live happy and positive in the bodies that we have.  

But, today I want to go (always) the other way - to a narcissistic person - a person who so thoroughly (seemingly) LOVES THEMSELF!!

But, let’s look at Mayo Clinic’s description first:

“Narcissistic personality disorder — one of several types of personality disorders — is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.”

“A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they're not given the special favors or admiration they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships unfulfilling, and others may not enjoy being around them.”

The name comes from Narcissus: “Narcissus was a hunter in Greek mythology, son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. He was a very beautiful young man, and many fell in love with him. However, he only showed them disdain and contempt.”  In reality, Narcissus only loved himself and could not love others.  (So, back to the theme of the week - love your neighbor as yourself - Narcissus could only love himself.

(Again from Mayo Clinic): Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and the severity of symptoms vary. People with the disorder can:

• Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance (aka “ego”)

• Have a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration

• Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it

• Exaggerate achievements and talents

• Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate

• Believe they are superior and can only associate with equally special people

• Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior

• Expect special favors and unquestioning compliance with their expectations

• Take advantage of others to get what they want

• Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others

• Be envious of others and believe others envy them

• Behave in an arrogant or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful and pretentious

• Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office

At the same time, people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism, and they can:

• Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special treatment

• Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted

• React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior

• Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior

• Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change

• Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection

• Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation”

*****

WOW - egotistic in an extreme!!!

 

Self love - but so extreme they can’ really deal with others.  

I have known some Narcissists.  Their love of themselves is so overpowering that the world begins and ends in them!!  (okay, hyperbole)

*****

Self love should be an honest appreciation of yourself, an understanding of your strengths and your weaknesses.  Not allowing your brain to exaggerate your importance (ego).  Recognizing the ‘team’ in activities.  You bring something to the process, but all of your team mates (friends) also have value.  

 

I like the interpretation of TEAM - as “together everyone achieves more”.  The quarterback knows he wouldn’t be a star without a line that blocks for him, without receivers who can catch his passes, without running backs that hit the holes in the line.  And recognized that the defense (where he generally doesn’t play) really makes it possible for the team to win.  

 

And maybe as important to that star quarterback is the concept of being ‘teachable’ - having coaches that help him, having friends (teammates) that work together AS A TEAM.  

I have been blessed to be part of some great teams.  If I have self love - it is so I can love my neighbor as myself.  

Like most people, there have been days when I doubted myself, and also days when I thought I was invincible.  Some humility is needed to keep a good balance in life.

*****

So as we go ahead with life, do love and appreciate your friends (your “neighbors”).  As Micah 6:8 says “Love Justice, show mercy and walk humbly with your God”.

LOVE WINS!!

Karen